Public procurement : guidance for practitioners on the avoidance of the most common errors in projects funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds

Following on the great success of the first edition with more than 70,000 downloads, we are particularly happy to present you with the new and updated version of the 'Public Procurement - Guidance for practitioners on the avoidance of the most common errors in projects funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds'. This improved document takes into account the new and simplified EU rules on public procurement and the first direct experience from their implementation on the ground. The aim is to support public procurement officials in Europe's Member States, regions and cities, taking them step-by-step through the process, highlighting areas where mistakes are typically made and showing how to avoid them. Efficient, effective, transparent and professional public procurement is essential for strengthening the Single Market and stimulating investment in the European Union. It is also a key instrument to deliver the benefits of the Cohesion Policy to the European citizen and businesses. This updated guidance was prepared by the Commission services involved in public procurement, as well as in consultation with the public procurement experts in the Member States. It is one of the building blocks of our ambitious Action Plan on Public Procurement and contributes to the objectives of the recently adopted EU public procurement package. We are confident that this instrument, along with the other Commission's initiatives in this field, will continue to help Member States, regions and cities in applying public procurement and increase the impact of public investment for the benefit of the EU citizens and economy. This guidance is aimed primarily at procurement practitioners within contracting authorities in the European Union who are responsible for planning and delivering the purchase of public works, supplies or services in a compliant, efficient and value-for-money way.